Synonyms of ascetic

ascetic 1 of 2

adjective

variants also ascetical

as in monastic

formal relating to or having a strict and simple way of living that avoids physical pleasure

He committed to having an ascetic existence during his rehab.

an ascetic diet of rice and beans

Related Words

• monastic
• authoritarian
• exacting
• unrelenting
• adamant
• monkish
• rigorous
• hard
• strict
• austere
• demanding
• tough
• rigid
• stern
• severe
• harsh
• relentless
• flinty
• uncompromising
• pitiless
• merciless
• unforgiving
• uncharitable
• unbending
• implacable
• hard-line
• steadfast
• ramrod
• hardened
• callous
• inflexible
• heavy-handed
• unyielding
• immovable
• dour
• adamantine
• ossified
• unsparing
• gruff
• stiff
• hard-hearted
• unflinching
• rock-ribbed
• obstinate
• chaste
• celibate
• determined
• resolved
• bullying
• single-minded
• intractable
• dogged
• disciplined
• firm
• browbeating

Dissimilar Words

• easy
• easygoing
• patient
• charitable
• mild
• kind
• merciful
• undemanding
• soft
• accepting
• laid-back
• willing
• yielding
• responsive
• softhearted
• agreeable
• flexible
• gentle
• amenable
• acquiescent
• indulgent
• compromising
• compliant
• complaisant
• lenient
• pliable
• lax
• pliant
• tolerant
• forbearing
• clement

ascetic

2 of 2

noun

as in prude

Related Words

• prude
• straight arrow
• fuddy-duddy
• killjoy
• wet blanket
• spoilsport

Dissimilar Words

• sensualist
• hedonist
• voluptuary
• Epicurean
• debauchee
• sybarite
• glutton
• epicure
• decadent
• Cyrenaic
• gourmand
• bon vivant

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective ascetic contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of ascetic are austere, severe, and stern. While all these words mean "given to or marked by strict discipline and firm restraint," ascetic implies abstention from pleasure and comfort or self-indulgence as spiritual discipline.

the ascetic life of the monks

When could austere be used to replace ascetic?

The words austere and ascetic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, austere stresses absence of warmth, color, or feeling and may apply to rigorous restraint, simplicity, or self-denial.

living an austere life in the country

When is it sensible to use severe instead of ascetic?

The synonyms severe and ascetic are sometimes interchangeable, but severe implies standards enforced without indulgence or laxity and may suggest harshness.

severe military discipline

Where would stern be a reasonable alternative to ascetic?

While in some cases nearly identical to ascetic, stern stresses inflexibility and inexorability of temper or character.

stern arbiters of public morality

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of ascetic

Adjective

During pilgrimages, monks observe a strict ascetic code, often including sleeping under trees and eating one meal per day. —Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026

Despite his limitations, Joe displayed an impressive degree of ascetic discipline and a ravenous desire for God. —Christian Wiman, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025

Noun

With a few edits, the book could pass for an anarchist tract; with a few more, for the work of a Christian ascetic. —Cal Revely-Calder, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025

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